Oil painting is a timeless art form cherished for its rich colors, blendable texture, and enduring quality. Whether you are a seasoned artist mastering classical techniques or a beginner exploring a new medium, the right set of oil paints is the foundation of your creative journey. The depth and luminosity achievable with oils are unparalleled, making them a favorite for creating works that stand the test of time.
With so many options available, from student-grade starter kits to professional collections, selecting the perfect set can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to help you navigate the choices and find an oil paint set that matches your skill level and artistic ambitions. We have compiled a list of ten highly-regarded sets to help you bring your vision to life with confidence and vibrant color.
Our Recommended Oil Paint Sets
- Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set
- ESRICH 141PCS Deluxe Artist Painting Set
- Ohuhu Oil Paint Set, 24 Oil-Based Colors
- Zenacolor Oil Paint Set 48 x 12mL Pack
- XXL Oil Paint Set – 24 Paints, 25 Brushes
- RoseArt Premium Oil Paint – Set 12 Colors
- PHOENIX Oil Paint Set, 24x12ml Tubes
- Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set
- Bob Ross Master Paint Set
- Sennelier Artist Oil Colour Paint Set, 12 Tubes
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set
For artists seeking a balance between quality and affordability, the Winsor & Newton Winton set is a standout choice. This set provides high-quality oil colors at a moderate price point, making it an excellent option for students and those practicing their craft. The ten individually formulated colors in 21ml tubes offer a reliable and consistent performance.
The paints are known for their good working properties and color strength. They mix and blend smoothly, allowing for a wide range of techniques and effects. This set serves as a solid foundation for any artist building their collection with a trusted brand.
ESRICH 141PCS Deluxe Artist Painting Set
This comprehensive kit is the ultimate all-in-one solution for any artist, regardless of their preferred medium. The ESRICH set includes an impressive array of supplies, featuring 84 paints that cover oil, watercolor, and acrylic types. It is an ideal choice for those who like to experiment across different painting styles or for art classrooms.
Beyond the paints, the set comes with two easels (wooden and metal), a vast selection of brushes, canvases, paper pads, palettes, and painting knives. The high-quality, non-toxic paints offer maximum brightness and color clarity, ensuring your artwork is vibrant. This set provides everything needed to start creating immediately.
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set, 24 Oil-Based Colors
Offering excellent value, the Ohuhu set includes 24 vibrant, oil-based colors in portable 12ml tubes. This range provides a solid spectrum of hues, including essential primaries, earth tones, and several blues and greens, suitable for everything from portraits to landscapes.
The non-toxic formula makes it a safe option for beginners, students, and adults. The paints are designed for ease of use, allowing for smooth application and good blendability. This set is a practical and portable choice for artists who want a versatile color palette without a large investment.
Zenacolor Oil Paint Set 48 x 12mL Pack
For artists who desire an extensive color range, the Zenacolor set of 48 tubes is an impressive option. The paints are known for their bright and vivid colors, providing intensity and depth to your artwork. Good lightfastness ensures that your creations maintain their brilliance over time.
This set is formulated for artists of every level, from beginners to professionals. The paints are easy to work with and adapt well to various surfaces like canvas, paper, and wood. Having 48 colors at your disposal minimizes the need for frequent mixing and allows for greater creative freedom.
XXL Oil Paint Set – 24 Paints, 25 Brushes
This XXL set is a complete starter kit that includes nearly everything required for a first oil painting session. It contains 24 tubes of vibrant oil paint, a generous assortment of 25 brushes in various shapes and sizes, a metal palette, and a stretched canvas panel.
The brush selection is particularly notable, featuring bristle, nylon, and foam brushes suitable for everything from wide strokes to fine details. With a full spectrum of colors and the necessary tools included, this set offers tremendous value and convenience for kids and adults beginning their artistic exploration.
RoseArt Premium Oil Paint – Set 12 Colors
RoseArt Premium Oil Paints are formulated with maximum strength pigments, resulting in brilliantly concentrated color. The rich, smooth, and buttery texture glides effortlessly onto surfaces like canvas, wood, and paper, providing exceptional coverage.
This artist-grade paint is an excellent choice for both professionals and students who require high-quality results. The perfect consistency allows for easy blending, layering, and texture creation, giving you full control over your artistic expression. The set of 12 vibrant colors covers the essential needs for many projects.
PHOENIX Oil Paint Set, 24x12ml Tubes
PHOENIX oil paints are crafted with a focus on high color saturation and strong tinting strength. The thick and creamy consistency is ideal for artists who enjoy building texture directly on the canvas or thinning the paint with a medium for different effects.
These paints offer excellent lightfastness, meaning the colors remain stable and resist fading when exposed to light over time. The slow drying time allows for extended workability, making it easier to achieve seamless blends and subtle transitions in your artwork.
Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set
Gamblin is a respected name in the artist community, and this exclusive set offers a curated selection of their 1980 Oil Colors. The set includes eight rich colors in generous 37ml tubes, providing a reliable and professional palette for serious artists.
This kit goes beyond just paint, also including a Solvent-free Gel for safer painting practices and a free cradled wood panel to paint on. It is an excellent choice for artists looking for high-quality materials from a brand known for its commitment to artists’ needs and safety.
Bob Ross Master Paint Set
Inspired by the legendary painter and instructor, this set is perfectly tailored for creating beautiful landscape paintings. It includes eight tubes of the essential oil colors used by Bob Ross himself, along with his signature Liquid White base coat, landscape brushes, and a painting knife.
The curated colors and included tools are designed to help you achieve the “wet-on-wet” technique that Bob Ross made famous. This allows for the creation of stunning skies, mountains, and trees with happy little accidents along the way. It is the ultimate set for fans and landscape artists.
Sennelier Artist Oil Colour Paint Set, 12 Tubes
Sennelier is a brand synonymous with exceptional quality and a rich history in fine art. Their artist-grade oil colors are renowned for their brilliant pigmentation and superb texture. Each tube is packed with high concentrations of pigment, ensuring vibrant and lasting color in your artwork.
These paints are favored by professional artists for their buttery consistency and excellent handling properties. They blend beautifully and offer a superior working experience. This set of 12 tubes provides a selection of colors that reflects the quality and performance expected from a premier art brand.
What to Look For in the 10 Best Oil Paint Sets for Artists
Choosing your first or next set of oil paints can feel a bit overwhelming. I remember staring at a wall of options, completely unsure of where to begin. Over time, I’ve learned that a few key factors make all the difference between a set that helps you grow and one that holds you back. Let’s walk through what I consider before I buy.
First up is quality versus student grade. This is the big one. Artist-grade paints have a much higher concentration of pure, finely ground pigment. This means the colors are more vibrant, mix better, and are more permanent. Student-grade paints use less expensive pigments and fillers to keep the cost down. They are fantastic for practice and learning, but the colors can be less intense and might not mix as cleanly. If you’re just starting, a good student-grade set is a smart investment. If you’re moving into more serious work, the jump to artist-grade is worth it.
Next, think about the color selection in the set. A basic set of six colors—like a warm and cool red, yellow, and blue, plus white and an earth tone—is actually all you need to mix a huge range of colors. I often suggest avoiding giant sets with 20+ colors. They can be tempting, but you’ll end up with colors you never use, and it can stunt your color mixing skills. Look for a balanced palette that gives you the primaries, white, and a brown or black.
Then there’s the paint consistency. Tubes will usually say if the paint has a stiff, buttery, or soft consistency. A buttery consistency is generally preferred because it holds brushstrokes well and is easy to manipulate. Some brands are stiffer, which is great for impasto techniques, while others are softer and can feel a bit oily. This is mostly personal preference, but a set with a consistent, buttery feel across most colors is a good sign of quality control.
Finally, don’t forget the packaging and extras. Is the set just a cardboard box, or does it come in a sturdy wooden case? If you plan to travel with your paints, a solid case is a big plus. Also, check if the set includes any basic tools like a palette knife or a small bottle of solvent. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they can add value and get you started right away. By keeping these points in mind, you can find one of the 10 best oil paint sets for artists that fits your specific needs and budget.
FAQ
What is the difference between student and artist grade oil paints?
The main difference comes down to pigment load and cost. Artist-grade paints are made with a high concentration of premium, finely ground pigments. This results in stronger, more vibrant colors that mix beautifully and have excellent archival properties. Student-grade paints use less expensive pigments and include fillers to extend the paint and lower the price. They are perfectly good for learning and practice, but the colors will be less intense and you might need to use more paint to achieve coverage.
How many colors do I really need to start with?
You can do a surprising amount with a very limited palette. I often recommend starting with a set of six core colors: cadmium red (or a similar warm red), alizarin crimson (a cool red), cadmium yellow (warm), lemon yellow (cool), ultramarine blue, and titanium white. With these, you can mix a vast range of secondary colors, greens, purples, oranges, and a whole spectrum of neutrals and browns. A small, thoughtful set is better than a large, overwhelming one when you’re beginning.
Are there any safety concerns I should know about with oil paints?
Yes, safety is important. Some pigments, like those containing cadmium, cobalt, or lead, are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Always check the labels on your tubes. Good studio habits are your best defense: don’t eat or drink in your workspace, wash your hands thoroughly after painting, and be mindful of how you handle and dispose of rags soaked in solvent, as they can be a fire hazard. Using odorless mineral spirits instead of traditional turpentine can also reduce fumes.
What other supplies will I need besides the paint set?
Your paint is just the beginning. You will also need brushes (a variety of shapes and sizes), a palette for mixing, a solvent like odorless mineral spirits for thinning paint and cleaning brushes, and a medium like linseed oil to modify the paint’s consistency and drying time. You’ll also need something to paint on, such as pre-primed canvases or canvas boards. A good easel is helpful but not strictly necessary when you’re just setting up.
How long does oil paint take to dry?
Oil paint dries very slowly compared to other paints like acrylics. This is one of its defining characteristics. A thin layer might be touch-dry in a couple of days, but a thicker impasto application can take weeks or even months to dry completely throughout. This slow drying time allows you to blend colors on the canvas for much longer. You can use fast-drying mediums to speed up the process slightly, but patience is a key part of working with oils.